Former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan has warned Team India ahead of their much important clash against New Zealand in the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 and called this encounter a do or die one for the Men in Blue.
Team India opened their T20 World Cup 2021 campaign with a disappointing 10-wicket loss against Pakistan. The Virat Kohli-led side will next face New Zealand on 31st October.
On the other hand, New Zealand also suffered a 5-wicket loss against Pakistan and would be eyeing a comeback in the tournament when they face the Virat Kohli-led side.
Zaheer Khan feels that if Team India plays to their potential, other teams will find it difficult to put up a fight against them.
He pointed out the Virat Kohli-led have lost their first match and it’s important for a side to catch the winning momentum at the earliest and hence the match against New Zealand will be do or die.
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“We all know that if India plays to their potential, no team will find it easy to stand against. It is always important for a side to catch up with the winning momentum at the earliest, especially in the World Cup. This time India have lost their first match and should make sure it isn't too late. The next game against New Zealand is a do or die one,” Zaheer Khan said.
Zaheer Khan remarked that even though the Pakistan match's result didn’t go their way but New Zealand wants to win every match and have great enthusiasm.
He lauded the Kane Williamson-led for almost pulling off the win against Pakistan despite a poor display of batting and warned Team India ahead of their clash.
“One thing is sure is that New Zealand wants to win every match and have great enthusiasm. Yes, the Pakistan result didn't go their way, but the fight that they showed was brilliant.
"They didn't score many runs in the first innings, but the effort that they put in the bowling and fielding, states that they never ever lose their hope. And India should be wary about it,” he said.
(Hindustan Times inputs)
